Trump's MBS Purchase and Its Impact on Real Estate Brokerage Stocks in 2026: Strategic Investment in Undervalued Firms Amid Housing Market Stimulus

The U.S. housing market is undergoing a pivotal shift as President Donald Trump's administration deploys a $200 billion mortgage-backed securities (MBS) purchase program to lower mortgage rates and stimulate homebuyer activity. This aggressive intervention, executed through government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, has already tightened MBS spreads by 20 basis points and driven 30-year mortgage rates down to 6.03% as of January 2026. While the long-term efficacy of the plan remains debated, the immediate effects are reshaping the real estate brokerage sector, creating both opportunities and risks for investors.

The MBS Program: A Double-Edged Sword for Real Estate Brokerages

The Trump administration's MBS strategy hinges on increasing demand for mortgage bonds to reduce borrowing costs for homebuyers. By injecting liquidity into the mortgage market, the program aims to spur home sales and refinancing activity, which could directly benefit real estate brokerages. For instance, Douglas Elliman-a major player in the luxury housing market- has already seen its stock rally in anticipation of a housing rebound. Analysts project mortgage rates could drop to 5.25% by year-end 2026 if the MBS purchases proceed as planned, a scenario that would likely boost buyer traffic and commission revenue for brokers.

However, the program's success is not guaranteed. Critics argue that $200 billion may be insufficient to address deep-seated affordability challenges, particularly in markets constrained by housing supply shortages. Additionally, the administration's parallel proposal to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes could dampen transaction volumes in the rental market, indirectly affecting brokerage activity.

Douglas Elliman: A Case Study in Undervaluation and Resilience

Douglas Elliman (DOUG) stands out as a prime example of a real estate brokerage poised to benefit from the MBS-driven market stimulus. Despite a P/E ratio of -3.61 and a Probability of Bankruptcy score exceeding 51%, the company has demonstrated resilience. As of January 2026, DOUG trades at $2.52 per share, with a market cap of $224.17 million and a projected price target of $3.26-a 29.52% upside-according to seven analysts. This optimism is fueled by the company's recent debt-free status, $126.5 million in cash reserves, and insider ownership of 20%.

The Federal Reserve's projected rate cuts in 2026 further bolster DOUG's outlook. With mortgage rates expected to decline, Douglas Elliman's focus on luxury and high-end properties-segments less sensitive to rate fluctuations- positions it to outperform peers. However, investors must remain cautious. The company's debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07 and negative earnings profile underscore its vulnerability to prolonged market stagnation.

Beyond Douglas Elliman: Undervalued Real Estate Firms in 2026

While Douglas Elliman captures much of the spotlight, other undervalued real estate firms present compelling investment opportunities. Mortgage REITs like Angel Oak Mortgage REIT (AOMR), Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance (ARI), and Ladder Capital Corp (LADR) are trading at significant discounts to their fair value estimates, according to Morningstar. For example, AOMR's price-to-sales ratio of 0.2 and its AAII Value Grade of "A" suggest it is in the deep value category.

In the broader real estate sector, Americold Logistics (COLD) and Park Hotels & Resorts (PK) offer attractive entry points. COLD, which operates industrial cold storage facilities, trades at a 49% discount to fair value, while PK-owner of luxury hotels- offers a forward dividend yield of 9.23% and a 48% discount to intrinsic value. These firms benefit from diverging valuations between public and private real estate markets, a trend that historically favors REITs as divergences close.

Strategic Considerations for Investors

Investors seeking to capitalize on the MBS-driven housing market stimulus should adopt a balanced approach. While Douglas Elliman and similar brokerages may benefit from short-term rate declines, their long-term success depends on broader economic factors, including housing supply and institutional investor activity. Diversifying across mortgage REITs and residential-focused firms like Mid-America Apartment Communities (MAA) or Equity Residential (EQR) can mitigate sector-specific risks.

Moreover, the Trump administration's dual focus on affordability and market liquidity creates a favorable environment for real estate firms with strong balance sheets. Companies that have deleveraged-like Douglas Elliman-or those with recurring revenue streams (e.g., REITs with stable rental income) are better positioned to weather potential volatility.

Conclusion

Trump's MBS program represents a calculated bet on a housing market rebound, with real estate brokerages and REITs standing to gain from increased liquidity and lower borrowing costs. While Douglas Elliman's undervalued status and strategic positioning make it a compelling investment, diversification into other undervalued firms-particularly mortgage REITs and industrial real estate players-offers a more robust strategy. As the Fed's rate cuts and the administration's policy initiatives unfold, investors who act decisively may find themselves well-positioned to capitalize on the sector's potential.